Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns

A crown is a protective shield fabricated from porcelain or gold materials in a dental laboratory. Each crown is customized to fix your natural bite, the size shape and color of your teeth. In areas where esthetics are not a concern but the strength of a crown is, a gold crown would be recommended over a porcelain one.

The first stage in treatment for a crown is the preparation by your dentist. The tooth is reduced to a healthy base that will either consist of all natural tooth or some filling material depending if tooth decay was a factor. Impressions are taken and sent to a laboratory for fabrications. During that time, your dentist will fabricate a temporary crown to wear.

Approximately two weeks after the impression, the crown is ready for insertion. The crown will be tried in and any minor adjustments needed prior to permanently cementing the crown.

A crown may be recommended by your dentist if:

The tooth presents with large cavities

Deteriorated fillings

Broken or chipped teeth

The tooth has undergone root canal therapy

While a crown is an easy, long-lasting way to repair tooth damage, eventually it will have to be replaced. Over time, leakage of bacteria underneath the crown can take place and a cavity may form. It is a good idea to be proactive to maintain a consistent, healthy smile. To extend the life of your crown be sure to exercise excellent home care and regular check-ups.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is very similar to a crown procedure but is utilized in replacing missing teeth. A bridge is fixed in the mouth and helps prevent the neighboring or opposing teeth to drift into the missing tooth space.

Decay underneath a bridge is the most common reason for bridge failure. It is imperative that flossing daily underneath the bridge is done to help prevent developing decay.

In order to have a long lasting bridge, strong teeth on either side of the missing tooth space is needed. Your dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for a bridge option.

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The whole team at Cowichan Valley Dental is amazing, and I have never trusted a dental office more. They are professional while still being fun, and my teeth have never looked better 🙂

I hope you and your families have all been healthy, safe, and keeping well.

There has been a significant amount of information disseminated since the Global Coronovirus outbreak. We want you to know that we place the utmost importance on the health of our patients and employees and with that, it is incumbent that we provide you with accurate information on the steps inherent in the re-opening of our Dental Offices.

The BC Health Attorney and The College of Dental Surgeons, recently announced of the easing of restrictions and the policy recommendations for the re-opening of Dental Offices in B.C during Phase 2 of Covid -19.

We are so thankful for the leadership we have received from Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix along with our Dental Associations.

I should note that Infection Control has ALWAYS been our top priority in patient care and the delivery of Dentistry. Our sterilization protocols have always been extensive, across the board. We opened the office two weeks ago in order to take care of all of our emergency patients.

We want your experience to remain comfortable and relaxed while we continue to do our job keeping you safe and providing exceptional care.

Please be aware that with enhanced protocol, we have implemented the following changes/precautions:

– Enhanced telephone screening

– Employee screening for COVID-19 symptoms

– Arrival communications/protocol – You will call the office when you arrive and we will invite you into the office and into your prepared treatment room.

– Every patient will be pre-screened for COVID-19 symptoms in advance, along with screening upon day-of appointment arrival

– We have expanded disinfection and sanitization protocols throughout the office including reception areas, bathrooms, and of course, treatment rooms to uphold and go above CDSBC Standards and Guidelines.

I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we will be asking you several questions regarding your current health while following all social distancing and sanitation requirements. Once again, our priority is to protect your health.

In closing, we have sincerely missed all of our patients and are very excited to see you soon!